What Is the West End in London?

The West End of London is an area of Central London (the largest city in England) that is renowned for shopping, dining, attractions, theatre, and its world-famous West End theatres. It is a popular tourist destination, with millions of people visiting every year.

The West End of London is defined as the area to the west of the City of London, but it is not an official, legal or administrative region. Instead, the area generally referred to when referring to the West End is a combination of several areas, neighbourhoods and districts. It typically includes Soho, Bloomsbury, Covent Garden, Mayfair, Marylebone, and Fitzrovia – although these boundaries are somewhat subjective.

So, what is it about the West End that makes it such a desirable area of London to explore, and why are people drawn to it? Let’s take a look.

What Attractions Are Located in the West End?

The attractions spread throughout The West End range from historic buildings and museums, to cultural exhibits and chic restaurants. Here are some of the most popular attractions to check out:

• Covent Garden
  Covent Garden is a bustling and vibrant shopping district located in the heart of the West End. It’s home to a plethora of cafes, boutiques and street entertainment, while its Royal Opera House is one of the most iconic buildings in London.
• The British Museum
  
  The British Museum is one of the world’s greatest museums and exhibits some of the most iconic artefacts from history. It’s one of the most visited attractions and an absolute must-see for travellers exploring the city.
• The British Library
  The British Library houses around 14 million books, making it one of the largest libraries in the world. It is located in Euston Road and boasts a range of interesting exhibitions.
• Buckingham Palace
  
  Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most famous landmarks and has been a royal residence since 1837. It is open to visitors during the summer season, where guests can explore its gardens and interiors.
• Madame Tussauds
  
  Madame Tussauds is a wax museum located in Marylebone, with figures from popular culture on display including Hollywood stars, Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Chan, and even Queen Elizabeth.
• Westminster Abbey
  
  Westminster Abbey is a great gothic abbey located close to Westminster Palace. It was founded in 960 AD and has seen many royal coronations over the years.
• The National Gallery
  
  The National Gallery is an art museum located in Trafalgar Square and is home to an incredible collection of more than 2,300 paintings from ancient times up until the present day.

The West End also contains some excellent theatres and entertainment venues, many of which border Soho’s vibrant nightlife scene. Popular West End Theatre venues include The Apollo Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, King’s Cross Theatre and Phoenix Theatre.

What Else Is the West End Known For?

The West End of London is also home to some great markets, from the fruit and vegetable stalls of Covent Garden Piazza to the quirky shops of Camden Market and the bustling markets in Marylebone High Street. The West End also has some of the best nightlife areas in London such as Mayfair, Soho and Shoreditch – as well as lots of popular English pubs across the area that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

It’s also known for its high-end shopping such as Mayfair and Oxford Street. Oxford street hosts over 300 shops such as Selfridges, Topshop and River Island – with something for everyone.

How Do I Get Around in The West End?

The West End area is well served by London’s public transport network. Most roads lead into or out of The West End and there are numerous bus routes available which will take you around different parts of The West End quickly and easily. The nearest train station would be London’s main station (King’s Cross St Pancras) which offers easy access to other parts of the city by either Underground or Overground lines. There are also plenty of taxis available to choose from if necessary.

Conclusion

The West End of London offers visitors a unique experience with its blend of historic attractions, shops, restaurants and bars in an area peppered with theatrical shows and performances. There’s no shortage of things to do in The West End – from boutique shopping to exploring iconic London landmarks like Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey – making it one of London’s signature locations for tourists.

If you want more information about The West End or want to seek out some tips about what to see and do during your visit make sure to check out London-Citytrip – they have compiled an excellent guide that covers everything you need to know when visiting this legendary area!